About
Mount Tsurumi overlooking Beppu city - Wikimedia Commons
Mount Tsurumi (ιΆ΄θ¦ε²³, Tsurumi-dake) is a 1,374.5-meter active volcano that dominates the western skyline of Beppu, serving as both a sacred mountain and one of Kyushu's most accessible panoramic viewpoints. π The mountain's volcanic nature is intrinsically linked to Beppu's renowned geothermal system - the Beppu geothermal area is centered beneath Mount Tsurumi and the adjacent Garandake volcano at the northern end of the Ryukyu volcanic arc. π
This volcanic complex produces the extraordinary geothermal output that powers Beppu's 2,000+ hot springs, with fumarolic and hot spring activity spreading from the Tsurumi volcanic group down to Beppu's eastern coast over a 5km by 8km range, generating approximately 50,000 tons of hot spring water daily and 350 MW of thermal energy. π
The Beppu Ropeway, opened in 1962, provides dramatic access to this volcanic landscape. π As Kyushu's largest cable car with a maximum capacity of 101 passengers, it ascends nearly 800 meters up the steep volcanic slopes in just 10 minutes, reaching an altitude of 1,300 meters above sea level. π
CNN recognized the ropeway's panoramic vistas by naming it one of "Japan's 34 most stunning views." π From the upper station and surrounding observation decks, visitors encounter breathtaking 360-degree views encompassing Beppu and Oita City, the azure waters of Beppu Bay, the distinctive cone of Mount Yufu to the west, and the dramatic peaks of the Kuju Mountains extending toward the horizon on clear days. π
Cultural & Religious Significance
The mountain has been an object of religious devotion for centuries, featuring the Tsurumi Sanjo Gongen Ichinomiya Shrine at its summit along with statues of the Seven Gods of Fortune (shichi-fuku-jin) and stone representations of both Buddhist and Shinto deities, reflecting the syncretic nature of Japanese mountain worship. π This sacred character places Mount Tsurumi within Japan's broader tradition of mountains as liminal spaces where the physical and spiritual worlds intersect.
Geologically, Mount Tsurumi is classified as an andesitic-to-dacitic lava dome, with its most recent eruption occurring in 867 CE through explosive activity from the summit area. π The mountain's volcanic composition and activity postdate the 6,300-year-old Akahoya ash from Kikai volcano, with earlier eruptions dominated by pyroclastic flows while more recent activity has produced lava domes and flows. π
Visiting Information
Getting There
From Kannawa Onsen District:
- Direct bus service via Kamenoi Bus to "Beppu Ropeway" stop, with the ropeway station a short walk from the bus stop π
- "Yufurin" Express bus via Kannawa operated by Kamenoi Bus, approximately 30 minutes π
- Taxi option available for more direct access (recommended by visitors due to limited bus frequency)
From Beppu Station:
- Kamenoi Bus #36 toward Yufuin, approximately 20 minutes to "Beppu Ropeway" stop
- Bus fare: Β₯500 one way
- Frequency: 1-2 buses per hour π
Money-Saving Option:
- Kamenoi Bus "Mini Pass" provides unlimited transportation around Beppu City for Β₯1,100 π
Hours & Admission
Operating Hours:
- Summer season (March 15 - November 14): 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM (last ascent at 5:00 PM, last descent at 5:30 PM) π
- Winter season (November 15 - March 14): 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (last ascent at 4:30 PM, last descent at 5:00 PM) π
- Note: Visit dates (November 2-3) fall within summer season hours
- Operations may be suspended due to strong winds or maintenance π
Admission:
- Round-trip adults (junior high and older): Β₯1,800
- Round-trip children (4 years to elementary): Β₯900
- Round-trip seniors (70+): Β₯1,700
- One-way adults: Β₯1,200
- One-way children: Β₯600
- Payment: Cash only π
Typical Duration:
- Ropeway ride: 10 minutes each direction π
- Summit exploration: 30-60 minutes for observation decks and walking paths
- Optional summit hike: Additional 15 minutes from upper station to true peak π
- Total recommended visit time: 1-2 hours
The Experience
Ropeway Journey
The 10-minute gondola ascent provides constantly evolving panoramic perspectives on Beppu's unique landscape. As you rise 800 meters up the volcanic slopes, the view transforms from intimate city details to sweeping vistas of Beppu Bay's coastline, the geometric patterns of urban development interspersed with rising steam plumes from countless hot springs, and the layered mountain ranges extending westward. π
During early November, the gondola journey showcases the spectacular contrast between the blue waters of Beppu Bay below and the red and yellow autumn foliage interweaving across the mountainside. π
Summit Observatory Complex
The upper station opens onto a small mountainside park featuring multiple observation decks at different elevations, each offering distinct perspectives. π A network of walking paths connects various viewpoints, allowing visitors to explore different vantage points and find optimal positions for photography or contemplation.
The primary observation platform provides magnificent 360-degree panoramas encompassing:
- Beppu city and its distinctive geothermal steam rising from 2,000+ hot springs
- The azure expanse of Beppu Bay and Oita coastline
- Mount Yufu's elegant volcanic cone to the west
- The dramatic Kuju Mountain range on clear days π
A smaller, somewhat obscure observation deck near the first lookout point reportedly offers the finest city views, as the actual summit peak often remains shrouded in clouds. π
Summit Hike
For visitors seeking the complete mountain experience, a well-maintained 15-minute walking trail leads from the upper ropeway station to Mount Tsurumi's true summit at 1,374.5 meters. π This summit area houses the Tsurumi Sanjo Gongen Ichinomiya Shrine along with statues of the Seven Gods of Fortune and various Buddhist and Shinto stone figures, offering insight into the mountain's sacred character. π
Alternative: Full Mountain Hike
Experienced hikers can bypass the ropeway entirely and ascend the full mountain via hiking trails beginning at the lower ropeway station. This approximately 2-hour climb offers a more immersive experience of the volcanic landscape and its changing ecosystems. π
Practical Visiting Tips
November Visit Considerations
Weather and Conditions:
- Expected temperatures: Daytime highs around 16-18Β°C (61Β°F), nighttime lows 10Β°C (50Β°F) π
- Summit temperatures notably cooler due to elevation (approximately 1,300m), with stronger winds
- Moderate to significant rainfall expected: 74-153mm over 11-12 days in November π
- Ropeway operations may be suspended during strong winds or severe weather π
Autumn Foliage Timing (Critical for November 2-3):
- Peak autumn foliage period: Mid-October through late November π
- Fall colors begin at summit in early October and gradually descend over 5-6 weeks π
- Early November represents optimal timing as foliage will have progressed from summit to mid-mountain slopes, creating layered color gradients
- Primary autumn species: Red vein maple and Siebold's maple providing intense red and yellow displays π
Unique November Phenomenon: At the mountain's base and in the lower park area, October Sakura (Jugatsu zakura) and Winter Sakura bloom simultaneously with autumn foliage from October through December, creating the rare spectacle of cherry blossoms and fall colors coexisting. π
Photography Strategy
- Best viewpoints: First observation deck near upper station (often clearest views); smaller obscure deck for city focus; gondola windows during ascent for layered landscape shots π
- Composition opportunities: Contrast between blue Beppu Bay and autumn foliage; steam plumes rising from city's hot springs; layered mountain ranges; simultaneous cherry blossoms and fall colors at lower elevations
- Equipment notes: Secure cameras and phones firmly - summit winds are extremely strong and items can be blown away π
- Lighting: Morning through early afternoon provides optimal lighting; avoid late afternoon as backlighting from westward sun can create challenging conditions
Clothing and Preparation
- Layering essential: Temperature at 1,300m altitude significantly cooler than Beppu city level, with strong winds π
- November recommendations: Light base layer, warmer mid-layer (sweater or fleece), windproof outer jacket
- Rain preparation: Pack lightweight rain jacket or folding umbrella given November's 11+ rainy days
- Footwear: Walking shoes adequate for observatory paths; hiking boots recommended if attempting summit hike
Cultural Etiquette
- Show respect at summit shrine: Bow before approaching, avoid loud conversations in sacred areas
- Refrain from touching religious statues and artifacts
- If visiting shrine, follow standard Shinto protocol: bow twice, clap twice, bow once
- Stay on designated paths to protect volcanic ecosystem and prevent erosion
Money-Saving Strategies
- Consider Kamenoi Bus Mini Pass (Β₯1,100) for unlimited Beppu transportation rather than paying individual bus fares (Β₯500 each direction) π
- One-way ropeway ticket (Β₯1,200) plus summit hike down can reduce costs for fit visitors, though descent is strenuous on knees
- No admission fees for summit park or observation decks - only ropeway ticket required
Practical Visitor Tips
- Cash only: Ropeway tickets must be purchased with cash π
- Summit facilities: Basic facilities available at upper station; limited food/beverage options
- Weather check: Confirm ropeway operation status before traveling, especially if weather appears questionable
- Timing: Budget minimum 1 hour total; 2 hours allows leisurely exploration of all viewpoints plus optional summit hike
- Alternative experience: Fog/clouds can create magical "sea of clouds" phenomenon - don't immediately abandon plans due to weather π
Integration with Beppu Attractions
Relationship to Kannawa Onsen District: Mount Tsurumi forms part of the volcanic system that generates Kannawa's abundant geothermal activity. The mountain is visible from many points in Kannawa district, and fumarolic activity extends from the Tsurumi volcanic group down toward the eastern coast where Kannawa is located. π Visiting the ropeway provides geographic context for understanding Beppu's extraordinary onsen resources.
Connection to Beppu Geothermal System: The views from Mount Tsurumi's observation decks reveal the full extent of Beppu's geothermal activity, with countless steam plumes rising from the city's 2,000+ hot springs visible from above. This aerial perspective demonstrates the remarkable scale of the volcanic system that produces approximately 350 MW of thermal energy and 50,000 tons of hot spring water daily. π
Location: View on Google Maps
Source: attractions/beppu/mount-tsurumi-ropeway.md